Westenergy’s strategic aim is to promote the development of circular economy.
Sustainability and decarbonization are at the forefront of Westenergy´s strategic agenda and form a major focus area also for the owner companies and business partners as well as the entire Vaasa region. Our aim is carbon-neutral energy production by 2030.
The state-of-the-art carbon capture unit will be commissioned in 2027, and when completed, it will be one of the first full-scale carbon capture plants in the waste-to-energy sector.
Westenergy Ltd., CPC Finland Ltd., and Prime Capital AG are collaborating to develop a top-tier carbon capture plant, set to be completed in 2027. This innovative plant is designed to remove approximately 95% of the carbon dioxide from the flue gases of Westenergy’s facility. It is intended to serve as a significant source of carbon dioxide for the facility that CPC and Prime Capital jointly own, Koppö Energia, which is planning a plant in Kristiinankaupunki to produce carbon-neutral synthetic fuels for heavy-duty transport, among other applications.
The main objective of the project is to reduce emissions released from Westenergy’s stack and promote the industrial-scale reuse of carbon dioxide. Westenergy envisions that future waste-to-energy plants will also sustainably recycle the carbon contained in waste back into society’s use. This project is a significant step towards a sustainable circular economy in Finland, as it enables the capture and utilization of carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, to be used in the manufacturing of new products. Thanks to this facility, Westenergy will continue to be at the forefront of technological development and support the growth of clean industries in Finland. This is one of the first plants of its scale in the waste-to-energy sector globally.
When the plant is commissioned, it will be able to capture nearly all the carbon dioxide in Westenergy’s flue gases. Approximately 150,000 tons of this carbon dioxide will be liquefied annually and supplied for the production of synthetic fuels, such as synthetic methane. This amount corresponds to the annual carbon dioxide emissions of around 20,000 people. Additionally, Westenergy aims to supply over 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually for the production of permanently carbon-storing products. The goal is that the project will help foster the development of a carbon recycling-based industry in Finland, particularly in the Vaasa region.
The project has received a €20 million energy investment grant from the Ministry of Employment and the Economy in December 2023, and the design of the carbon capture plant has already progressed significantly. In March 2024, Ramboll was selected as the project consultant, and in July 2024, a contract was signed with Andritz for the preliminary design phase. Currently, the capture and liquefaction processes, as well as building designs and technical safety solutions, are being planned. The design process and the necessary permits are progressing with the aim of making the final investment decision on the plant’s implementation by 2025. You can follow the latest updates on the design phase through Westenergy’s website.
The hydrogen valley connects Finland’s hydrogen market with the rest of Europe to ensure energy independence
Westenergy supports the BotH₂nia Hydrogen Valley project, which promotes the region’s carbon neutrality goals, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and supports environmentally friendly steel production. BotH₂nia Hydrogen Valley aims to become a leading hydrogen area by 2030, with a total investment commitment of 3.6 billion euros. The broad collaboration of project developers, global and local companies and research institutions support Finland’s transformation in becoming one of Europe’s leading H₂ and derivatives producers, creating energy independence and security in the region and supporting European energy sovereignty.
The project unites the hydrogen development on Finland’s west coast, focusing on issues such as hydrogen transportation, safety, and the development of business models. Local energy companies in Pori, Vaasa, Kokkola, and Oulu, as well as international companies like ABB, Danfoss, Hitachi Energy, and Wärtsilä, are part of this collaboration. The project is expected to create 10,000 jobs and bring significant investments and innovations to the region. Read more in our article.
Towards a more sustainable future by utilizing carbon dioxide flows
The educational institutions in the Vaasa region – Novia, VAMK, and Åbo Akademi – have launched the MAP-UP-P2X project, which investigates the regional utilization and reprocessing of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen to meet the needs of industry and society. Westenergy, together with Stormossen, plays an active role in the support and guidance group of this project, which is aimed particularly at replacing peat-based energy production with sustainable alternatives.
The project aims to create a comprehensive understanding of raw material streams in various industrial, waste management, and materials utilization processes. This enables prioritization of strategic and economic processes, allowing efficient recovery and processing of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide into value-added materials for local industry and society.
MAP-UP-P2X project promotes circular economy principles and the emergence of new business opportunities. It accelerates the development of system solutions related to sustainable economy and enhances capabilities to test and implement new technologies. The project analyzes alternatives in energy production and waste management to create new economically valuable derivative materials through hydrogen and carbon dioxide refinement. This initiative aims to strengthen self-sufficiency, processing efficiency, and circular economy, minimizing environmental impacts and supporting the development of sustainable energy. The project commenced in January 2024 and is expected to continue until the end of 2026.
Westenergy lives in the intersection of material flows and has already successfully carried out the circular economy approach, for instance, in the utilisation of the plant’s ashes. Developing the ecosystems of circular economy further is, therefore, a natural strategic choice for us.
Artificial intelligence improves waste recycling
Westenergy plays a significant role in the national Ekoälyä (Eco AI) -project, which utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify and process waste. In the pilot project, a system is being developed to identify waste at the collection stage, either in waste bins or waste collection vehicles, directing them to appropriate processing facilities. The project aims to utilize sensor technologies and AI for material identification, enabling efficient recycling or incineration of waste.
At the heart of the EU-funded project is an AI application that enables real-time identification of waste materials, optimizing waste collection routes and reducing incorrect waste processing. This enhances the recovery of recyclable materials and reduces harmful emissions at waste-to-energy plants by identifying non-combustible materials during collection.
The new technology will initially be deployed at Westenergy’s waste-to-energy plant in Mustasaari. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences and the University of Turku are responsible for research and technical development, laying the groundwork for a new waste collection ecosystem that efficiently utilizes available data and enhances the entire waste management value chain.
Circular economy roadmap as the starting point for developing the circular economy
Westenergy’s resources can be used to create a network of companies where ideas, products and materials circulate. In the project managed by VEBIC and financed by Business Finland, a road map for identifying the needs of a growing circular economy ecosystem was created. Moreover, the best possibilities for new export innovations were recognised in the road map. The project works as a frame for future circular economy companies that can build growth and create jobs within material efficiency. In this way we can make sure that our value chains meet the needs of the 2020 society, and we can keep our value promise to the owners also in the future.
Biogas is one of the cleanest sources of energy, and its production process aligns with the principles of circular economy. We want to promote the production and use of biogas and help build supply networks in our operation area. Our goal is to create the prerequisites for biogas-driven logistics that uses domestic emission-free energy instead of fossil fuels.
Interestingly, when the role of biogas is strengthened, it can be possible to use it also as auxiliary fuel in our plant.
Digital platform as an accelerator for biogas operations
Westenergy is supports the DigiBiogasHubs project, which is implemented in three regions: Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia. DigiBiogasHubs is a collaborative project between the University of Vaasa, Centria University of Applied Sciences, and Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, aimed at developing and piloting a digital platform that facilitates cooperation and interaction among biogas operators. The platform aims to promote the development and interaction of biogas hubs located in different regions, as well as the evolution of biogas markets. A biogas hub refers to local actors within a specific area who form a local biogas network. These actors include biomass owners and producers, biogas producers and distributors, current and potential biogas users, logistics operators, and suppliers of technical solutions.
The project was initiated in December 2023 and has a duration of two years. The project’s outcomes are expected to support and accelerate the development and growth of biogas markets and regional biogas ecosystems, reduce regional carbon dioxide emissions and waste, increase the share of renewable energy in the energy system, and improve regional energy self-sufficiency and security of supply. Additionally, the project generates new knowledge for local stakeholders about opportunities related to biogas. Overall, the project promotes the transition to a circular economy, and its systemic solutions create conditions for the development of hydrogen economy and the necessary infrastructure.
Utilization of biogas plays a key role in achieving the EU’s climate targets
On the biogas front, a project funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), University of Vaasa, Ostrobothnia Regional Council, Wärtsilä, Westenergy, Stormossen, and Wasaline was implemented from March 2020 to September 2022. The project aimed to create conditions for expanding biogas business and utilization in Ostrobothnia. This was achieved through techno-economic studies, measurements, and the creation of common operational models. The project specifically examined the techno-economic issues that hinder the large-scale adoption of biogas as transport fuel.
The results for Westenergy indicate that using biomethane as additional fuel in a waste-to-energy plant can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the need for fossil fuels. Based on the study, the use of biogas in Westenergy’s waste-to-energy process offers significant environmental and economic benefits that support circular economy goals and the reduction of fossil fuel use. Westenergy will continue exploring and developing the potential of biogas as part of its sustainable energy production strategy. Read the final report of the project in its entirety on the University of Vaasa’s website.